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It was such a controversial order that it took three years to even implement it.

A Devon County Council spokesman said: "After reviewing the charges applied to our dispensation service, we agree this needs to be changed and we have already adjusted charges to customers as an interim measure.

"Refunds will be offered as new measures are put in place for an appropriate and compliant charging mechanism.

A car parking meter

"Existing customers will be notified in due course of changes and offer of a refund, and our web pages will be updated throughout the process."

According to the county council the blunder was not unlawful because 'the charging structure was embodied in a Traffic Regulation that wasn't challenged.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highways Management, admitted the authority also forked out more than £2,000 seeking advice from a barrister about their position on the matter, which was received on July 7 2017.